Fluoride is a natural mineral. It is found in things like tea, fish, and some water supplies. It is also added to many dental products.

Fluoride has been used for many years to help protect teeth. Tooth decay has reduced worldwide, largely because people use fluoride toothpaste.

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How does fluoride protect teeth?

Fluoride helps to:

• Repair early damage to tooth enamel.
• Make enamel stronger, so that it is more resistant to tooth decay.
• Protect teeth from acid attacks caused by sugar.
• Slow down the growth of decay-causing bacteria.

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Learn about fluoride on our podcast

This podcast series was produced as part of our The Truth About Tooth Decay campaign.

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Where do we get fluoride?

Toothpaste

Most toothpaste contains fluoride.

• Children aged 0–3 years should use a smear of toothpaste with at least 1000ppm fluoride.
• Children over 3 and adults should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste with 1350–1500ppm fluoride.

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Water

Some areas have fluoride added to the water supply.

• In England, about one in ten people have fluoridated water.
• Some places have natural fluoride in the water.

You can ask your local water supplier if your water contains fluoride.

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High-fluoride toothpaste (prescription only)

If you are at high risk of tooth decay, your dentist may prescribe a toothpaste with a higher fluoride content.

2800ppm fluoride toothpaste (age 10+):

• For people with frequent decay.
• For people with high sugar intake.
• For people taking sugary medicines.

5000ppm fluoride toothpaste (age 16+):

• For people with a very high risk of decay.
• For people with gum recession.
• For people with dry mouth.
• For people who have had head and neck radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

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Fluoride varnish

Fluoride varnish is painted onto the teeth by a dental professional.

• It is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay.
• It is often recommended for children at dental visits.
• It helps protect both baby and adult teeth.

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Fluoride mouthwash

Fluoride mouthwash should be used as well as brushing, not instead of it.

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Use mouthwash at a different time from brushing.

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Are there any side effects?

Too much fluoride while teeth are forming can cause dental fluorosis.

• This can lead to faint white marks on the teeth.
• It is usually mild and does not affect how teeth work.
• It is rare.

To reduce risk:

• Use only a smear or pea-sized amount of toothpaste for children.
• Encourage children to spit out toothpaste, not swallow it.

Fluoride is safe and very effective when used in the right amount.